Workum Lighthouse
Workum
You'll find Workum lighthouse on the Hylperdyk at the entrance to the harbour. It's known as the Toarntsje (little tower), which is very apt for the square white brick tower.
You'll find Workum lighthouse on the Hylperdyk at the entrance to the harbour. It's known as the Toarntsje (little tower), which is very apt for the square white brick tower.
At only nine metres tall, Workum lighthouse is not exactly a giant. It does have a long history however. The lighthouse was built around 1708, replacing the previous wooden lighthouse that dated from 1643. At that time, it comprised four oak supports, a square oak base and a steel plate carrying the fire basket. That wooden structure was replaced by a stone tower of three storeys high. A house was added in 1712. Around 1880, the open flame was replaced by an oil lantern. When the coastal lighting system was nationalised forty years later, Workum continued to maintain its own lighthouse. The tower provided income, as passing ships were obliged to pay lighthouse and beacon fees.
This revenue was used to maintain the sea locks. Once the Afsluitdijk transformed the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer lake, the oil lantern became obsolete in 1932. Gas lamps were installed instead. Twice-daily, the lighthouse keeper climbed a ladder up to the top of the tower to manually light the lamps. In 1984, the gas lamps were taken over by the provincial authorities. Nowadays, it uses electric lamps powered by solar cells.
The light has played an important role in the local Strontrace: a proper fire is lit on top of the tower for the first traditional sailing boat returning from this race. The Strontrace is a sailing race held annually since 1974, and an initiative by Reid de Jong. Originally a professor in Architecture, Reid is the former resident of the lighthouse. He lived here together with his wife for 50 years until 2018, completely self-supporting. In 2013, a Dutch television programme was dedicated to this very striking man and his wife.
- Afstand tot jouw locatie:
In the neighbourhood
View all routes-
Wandelen langs de IJsselmeerkust Workum en Hindeloopen
Wandelen langs de IJsselmeerkust Workum en Hindeloopen(20.0 km)Ferwoude
Locations
View all locations-
Lighthouse Bornrif Ameland
Lighthouse Bornrif AmelandAn impressive appearance on the island is the lighthouse, built in 1880 of cast iron and 55 metres high. Since 2005, the lighthouse isn't used by the coast guard and isn't manned anymore.
Hollum -
Geologisch Monument Bouwepet
Geologisch Monument BouwepetGeologisch monument gemaakt van zwerfkeien uit de IJstijd.
Mûnein -
Groot Deersum
Groot DeersumGroot Deersum is een voormalige stins ten oosten van het Friese dorp Achlum. De slotgracht en het poortgebouw zijn er nog steeds.
Achlum -
Façade stone wall
Façade stone wallThe façade stone wall is an original initiative and beautiful historic feature of Workum. 22 old façade stones have been incorporated under the gateway alongside number 18 on De Merk market square.
Workum -
Bonkevaart - Elfstedentocht Finish Line
Bonkevaart - Elfstedentocht Finish LineWhether you experience it standing on the ice, on the bank, or from the water, this historic stretch of water is a must-visit!
Leeuwarden -
Jewish Memorial Sneek
Jewish Memorial SneekThe German invasion in May 1940 heralded the start of the persecution of the Jews in the Netherlands and the municipality of Sneek. On October 1, 1941, 68 Jews were registered in the municipality and surroundings.
Sneek -
De Scheper
De ScheperEen andere gebruikelijke benaming voor schaapherder is “scheper”. Appelscha hield al in zeer oude tijden schapen en schaapskuddes werden geleid door s...
Appelscha -
Nooitgedagt chimney
Nooitgedagt chimneyThe silhouette of IJlst would not be the same without the old factory chimney, on which the letters of the Nooitgedagt name can be read from top to bottom.
IJlst -
Old Burger Weeshuis
Old Burger WeeshuisAan de Kleine Kerkstraat in Sneek staat het administratiekantoor van het Old Burger Weeshuis: een prachtig monument uit 1904.
Sneek -
B & B Kastleinshoeke
B & B KastleinshoekeAt a beautiful location in Snakkerburen, Oan 'e Ie 1, a stonesthrow from Leeuwarden, you will find the old waterinn "De Sevenster'. This national monument was build in 1649 at the side of the boat-canal "the Dokkumer Ee".
Snakkerburen